This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
With the rise of destination weddings, many couples are left wondering how to transport their wedding dresses without damaging them. According to a recent response from an airline, the best way to ensure your wedding dress stays in tip-top shape throughout the flight and travel is to carry it as a carry-on.
On July 26, 2019, Eunice Murathe wrote an article for Business Daily Africa, highlighting the various options available to couples when it comes to transporting their wedding dresses. She noted that some airlines may provide facilities to store wedding gowns, but it's essential to alert them beforehand.
One couple, Lorna Njeri, shared her experience of carrying her wedding dress as a carry-on in a KLM flight. She revealed that the flight attendants hung it up in the captain's closet, but advised that it's essential to stash it somewhere in your suitcases to avoid paying customs duty.
However, before handing over your wedding dress to the crew, ensure it's labelled to avoid mix-ups. Some airlines may provide facilities to store wedding gowns, but you have to alert them beforehand.
Some travellers pack their wedding dresses in garment travel bags and take them to the laundry for steaming once they arrive. A wedding dress can attract taxes, but most people have found ways to bypass paying duty.
According to Turkish Airlines, a bride can take the dress as carry-on baggage in both economy and business class. However, if you take your wedding dress with you as carry-on baggage in economy class, you will not be able to bring any other carry-on baggage, but in business class, you can carry a second carry-on baggage along with your wedding dress.
For those who want to play it safe, purchasing a seat on the plane for the gown is an option. British Airways recommends calling at least 24 hours before the flight to see if there is an appropriate seat available to book and the cost.
Regardless of the method you choose, remember to pack up the wedding dress in a garment bag and preferably bring a steamer or have it steamed to smooth out any wrinkles once you reach your destination.
